A Take Me Out star took his own life after losing his dream job to film the ITV dating show.

Charlie Watkins appeared on an episode of the show screened on April 22.

The episode, which was dedicated to him post-show, saw the 22-year-old go on a date in Tenerife with Jo-Tara.

Take Me Out series 9 was recorded in November 2016, four months prior to Charlie’s tragic death on 13 March.

An inquest has heard the Criminology graduate took a job at the chocolate museum and shop 'York Chocolate Story' for "a few months" after completing his degree, reports the Mirror.

But due to four-day filming commitments for the dating show at Maidstone Studios, Kent, and being in his probationary period of employment he was sacked from the job he loved, it says.

His family said he had battled mental health issues since his mum died when he was nine years old. They gave permission for the pre-recorded show to be screened, which was dedicated to him.

His family said in a statement: “We have lost a very special young man who sadly never recovered from the tragic loss of his mother when he was only nine years old.

"Tragically this is another example of the mental health issues suffered by young people today as highlighted by the Heads Together campaign supported by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry.”

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Jo-Tara said: "He's really nice, athletic, but I don't think he fancies me so we might end up as friends."

In a poignant final scene Charlie said: "Jo-Tara is the sort of girl I'd like to see again and again," as the duo walked off into the sunset together on the scenes aired on Saturday night.

Charlie's twin brother Harry led the tributes on Facebook, posting a picture of the two of them dressed in tuxedos with a beam on their faces.

"Words cannot express my feelings, but I feel this picture sums us up perfectly xx," he wrote next to it.

The charity Samaritans is available around the clock for people who want to talk. Call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org.uk

Where to get help

Samaritans (116 123) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling, or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org.

Childline (0800 1111) runs a helpline for children and young people in the UK. Calls are free and the number won’t show up on your phone bill.

PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41) is a voluntary organisation supporting teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal.

Depression Alliance is a charity for people with depression. It doesn’t have a helpline, but offers a wide range of useful resources and links to other relevant information. http://www.depressionalliance.org/